Bioreactor System and Related Bio-Stimulation Methods

ABSTRACT

A bioreactor system for growing commercial volumes of algae or other biomass in an enclosed, biosecure reactor vessel, the system having internal artificial growth light production as well as exterior solar energy capturing devices or the like designed to facilitate enhanced sunlight exposure for photosynthesis organism production. Magnetic and electromagnetic field generation systems and/or millimeter wave generating devices are integrated with the bioreactor system and its operation to substantially enhance growth rate and overall productivity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/772,970, filed on May 3, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/175,256, filed May 4, 2009,both of which the contents are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of bioreactor systems, and,more particularly, to a production system utilizing biostimulationdevices for growth of algae and other biomass.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Algae is recognized as a valuable resource, with proper cultivation andprocessing providing many products, including fuels, feed, and a diversearray of chemicals which have uses in pharmaceuticals and nutritionalproducts such as Omega-3 oils.

The production of algae has sustainability advantages when compared totraditional land based crops and fossil fuels. Significant carbonsavings are achieved by using energy-rich algae as a feedstock andsource of biofuel, since algae consumes more harmful CO₂ gas than isgenerated when its products are used as fuel or within other chemicalproducts.

Algae has the potential to provide cost effective, economicallysustainable substitution for existing fuels and feeds, which have beentraditionally produced from fresh water intensive, agricultureland-based crops such as corn and soybeans, and from fossil petroleum.

Algal biomass is also known to provide high-protein concentrate (orhigher-purity isolate) suitable for animal use or fish feed, and can bemade suitable for human consumption. There is an established market forthese algae type protein supplements amongst consumers.

It is also known that algae may contain over 50% oil by weight,depending upon the species; other species may contain cellulose orsugar, both of which can be synthesized into fuels, in the amount of upto about 40% by weight. Furthermore, after processing, the remaining 60%to 70% of biomass can be used for valuable non-fuel applications,including, but not limited to, specialty chemicals, nutritionalsupplements, pharmaceuticals, feeds, food, naturally derived pigments,personal care products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a cost-effective and controlled bioreactor system for small andlarge scale production of energy-rich algae or other forms of biologicalbiomass utilizing magnetic fields to stimulate microbial growth andmetabolism.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the bioreactorsystem comprises a containment vessel having a wall with inner and outersides forming an interior having an inner diameter, lower and upperends, and a medial area therebetween. Furthermore, a generallyvertically oriented flow tube is positioned in the interior of thecontainment vessel such that the flow tube forms a longitudinal passagehaving a bottom, a top, and a medial area therebetween. The containmentvessel and the flow tube are collectively structured to facilitate thecirculation of fluid biomass between the interior of the containmentvessel and the longitudinal passage of the flow tube.

The flow tube may also have one or more medial flow passages in thevicinity of the medial, and other areas, of the longitudinal passagelaterally formed therethrough. A gate valve is configured to slideablyengage the wall of the flow tube so as to selectively block flow throughthe medial flow passage when the interior of the containment vessel isfilled to a predetermined fluid level.

The wall of the containment vessel may have ports formed therethrough,each of the ports covered via a port cover formed of fluid impermeable,light transmissive material for transmission of light energy into thecontainment vessel for stimulation of cellular mitosis. Furthermore, atleast one of the ports may also include an artificial light sourcemounted so as to project light into the interior of the containmentvessel.

In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the interior of thecontainment vessel at the lower and upper ends is less than the innerdiameter of the containment vessel at the medial area, such thatlongitudinal flow of matter between the inner walls of the containmentvessel and the flow tube encounter an increase in turbulence.

In some embodiments, the containment vessel of the system includes atleast one conduit containing a first conduit portion and a secondconduit portion in fluid communication with the containment vessel toform a closed loop, and the conduit further includes magnetic coilsconcentrically mounted thereon in a spaced fashion along a length of theconduit to selectively provide a tunable millitesla magnetic fieldwithin the conduit for the purposes of creating bio-stimulation(increasing cellular mitosis and growth rate).

In some embodiments, the flow tube of the system has a lower stopattached and positioned below the medial flow passage to support thesliding gate valve in a position such that fluid passes through themedial flow passage of the flow tube. The flow tube may also haveattached thereto an upper stop positioned above the medial flow passagesto stop upward migration of the sliding gate valve and position thesliding gate valve to block the medial flow passage formed in the flowtube, so as to substantially prevent the passage of fluid therethrough.The flow tube may also have a lower airlift therein positioned below themedial area of the flow tube, the lower airlift formed to provide apressure gradient to provide fluid lift in the flow tube. Likewise, anupper airlift may be positioned in the flow tube above the medial areaof the flow tube, the upper airlift formed to provide a pressuregradient so as to provide fluid lift in the flow tube. The flow tube mayalso include a carbon dioxide (and/or other useful gas) infusion arrayin communication for infusing carbon dioxide and other useful gas forms,such as nitrogen, into the flow tube.

The system may further comprise magnetic coils concentrically mounted tothe flow tube, the magnetic coils mounted in spaced fashion along alength of the flow tube to selectively provide a tunable electromagneticfield within and about the flow tube (for bio-stimulation of thefluidized organism growth cycle (growth and mitosis) or, alternatively,for cellular disruption for oil collection). Such a configuration mayinclude a Helmholtz coil, or the like.

The containment vessel may include a top portion disposed at the upperend, the top portion being transparent to light and defining a headspaceabove the top of the flow tube, whereby fluid biomass flowing from thetop of the flow tube is exposed to light for stimulation of cellulargrowth and mitosis and photosynthesis.

In some embodiments, the upper end of the containment vessel includes amicrowave or other type of millimeter wave emitting device disposed atsuch end and configured to project millimeter waves into the containmentvessel such that flow from the top of the flow tube is exposed to themillimeter waves for increasing cellular growth rate and mitosis or,alternatively, for cellular disruption.

In some embodiments, the bioreactor system includes at least oneauxiliary vessel, such as a flat panel enclosure, in fluid communicationwith the containment vessel, the auxiliary vessel having first andsecond panels mounted in a spaced fashion to define an enclosuretherebetween. At least one of the first and second panels is formed of alight permeable material. Furthermore, the enclosure is configured toreceive a flow of fluid biomass from the containment vessel, and theauxiliary vessel is configured to facilitate the passage of the flow offluid biomass through the enclosure so as to receive light energyradiating therein for stimulation of mitosis and growth rates andphotosynthesis. The enclosure may also include one or more diffusersand/or one or more pumps in communication therewith for facilitating theflow of the fluid biomass from the enclosure to the containment vessel.For maximum energy balance, the fluid flow system is designed to beempowered by the hydrostatic pressure generated by the fluids in thecontainment vessel feeding the base of the lower auxiliary vesselenclosure and returning back to the top of the containment vessel via afluid air lift pump located at the top of the auxiliary vessel.Furthermore, an artificial light source may be disposed to project lightthrough at least one of the first and second panels into the auxiliaryvessel, so as to radiate and reflect light energy for stimulatingorganism photosynthesis within the biomass fluids migrating inside andthrough the enclosure.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one linkage tube is in fluidcommunication with the containment vessel and the auxiliary vessel ofthe system. The at least one linkage tube includes first and second, ormore, magnetic rings concentrically mounted thereon such that the firstand second, or more, magnetic rings are in a spaced fashion along alength of the first tube to selectively provide a tunable magnetic fieldwithin the linkage tube. The linkage tube may also include, oralternatively include, a solenoid coil device concentrically mountedthereon to selectively provide a tunable bio-stimulation magnetic fieldwithin the linkage tube that is controllable by electrical current.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a flat panelbioreactor system having a top side and underside is described. Thesystem includes first and second panels configured in a spaced fashiononto a frame so as to define at least one enclosure therein, theenclosure having first and second ends, the first panel defining the topside, the second panel defining the underside; a first tube (preferablyperforated) configured with apertures along its length to disperse fluidbiomass into the enclosure at its base, the first tube disposed alongand generally parallel to the first end of the enclosure; a second tubeconfigured with apertures along its length to disperse air, CO₂ andother useful gasses into the enclosure, the second tube disposedproximal to the first tube; wherein the enclosure is configured tofacilitate the flow of fluid biomass within the enclosure so as toreceive light energy radiating therein. The one or more enclosures areeach configured to facilitate the flow of fluid biomass within theenclosures and have pressurized air/CO₂ injected into the enclosure tomix the biomass within the enclosures so that the growing microorganismcan receive maximum natural and artificial light energy radiation andcellular respiration therein.

According to a method aspect of the invention, a method of cultivatingone or more organisms in a biomass comprises the steps of filling abioreactor with a starter culture of a biomass suspended in a fluid. Thebioreactor comprises a containment vessel having a wall having inner andouter sides forming an interior having an inner diameter, lower andupper ends, and a medial area therebetween; a generally verticallyoriented flow tube positioned in said interior of said containmentvessel, said flow tube forming a longitudinal passage having a bottom, atop, and a medial area therebetween; said flow tube having laterallyformed therethrough, in the vicinity of said medial area of saidlongitudinal passage, one or more medial flow passages; a gate valveconfigured to slideably engage said wall of said flow tube so as toselectively block flow through said medial flow passage upon saidinterior of said containment vessel being filled to a predeterminedfluid level; wherein the starter culture is filled to about the medialflow passage.

The method further includes effectuating flow of gas in the flow tube atleast below the medial flow passage, so as to provide an upward flowsuch that the upward flow facilitates the flow of fluid through themedial flow passage, out of the upper region of the flow tube, down theexterior of the flow tube, and back into the bottom of the flow tube ina looped fashion; monitoring the biomass for growth; and filling thebioreactor to about the top of the flow tube, causing movement of thegate valve into a position so as to block the medial flow passage andurge the flow through the top of the flow tube, down the exterior of theflow tube, and back in through the bottom of the flow tube in a loopedfashion.

In some embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the method furtherincludes one or more of the following steps: effectuating a flow of gasin the flow tube above the medial flow passage, so as to provide upwardflow; exposing the interior of the containment vessel to one or moretypes of magnetic (or electromagnetic) fields, so as to stimulatecellular mitosis in the biomass flowing therethrough; exposing theinterior of the containment vessel to millimeter waves to stimulatecellular mitosis (i.e., bio-stimulation) in the biomass flowingtherethrough; creating an acidic type cellular disruption condition inthe containment vessel so as to weaken the cellular body of the biomass;exposing the interior of the containment vessel to one or more pulsedmagnetic fields, so as to break the cellular wall of the biomass toseparate lipid oil content therein from the cellular body of thebiomass; and/or exposing the biomass to millimeter waves tuned so as toprovide a pulsed field at a frequency and field strength to break thecellular wall of the biomass to separate lipid oil content therein fromthe cellular body of the biomass.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating an acrylic structuredisposed in the medial section of the containment vessel;

FIG. 2A is a top, cutaway view of a port of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a solar grow light array according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a top, cutaway view of the solar grow light LED array of FIG.2B as placed in the port of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a flow tube according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side, cutaway view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of the inside of the flow tube of anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating an upper airlift, agate valve, a lower airlift, and a carbon dioxide infusion arraytherein.

FIG. 6 is a side, partial cutaway view of the bioreactor system of FIG.4 illustrating the system as partially filled with fluid, with a gatevalve in a lower, open configuration, with circulation occurring throughmedial flow passages formed through the flow tube, and the operation ofa lower airlift and the carbon dioxide infusion array.

FIG. 7 is a side, partial cutaway view of the bioreactor system of FIG.4 illustrating the system as filled with fluid, with the gate valve inan upper, closed configuration to prevent flow through the medial flowpassages formed in the flow tube, with circulation occurring through thetop of the flow tube, and the operation of the upper and lower airliftsand carbon dioxide infusion array.

FIG. 8 is a top, cross-sectional view of a flow tube according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention utilizing a millimeter wave emittertherein.

FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bioreactor system of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the bioreactor systemof FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a bioreactor systemof an embodiment of the present invention including an auxiliary vesselstructured as a flat panel enclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front, partially cutaway view of the flat panel enclosureof FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side, detailed view of the flat panel enclosure of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15A is a side, detailed view of the flat panel enclosure of FIG.12, illustrating a functional orientation thereof.

FIG. 15B is a side, detailed view of the flat panel enclosure of FIG.12, illustrating a functional orientation thereof.

FIG. 16 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the flat panelenclosure of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a side, partial cut-away view of the flat panel enclosure ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a side, partial cut-away view of the flat panel enclosure ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 19 is a side, partial view of the flat panel enclosure of FIG. 12.

FIG. 20 is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention utilizing a millitesla tunableenergy rare earth magnet structure for bio-stimulation of cell growththereon.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the tunable energy rare earth magnetstructure illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention utilizing millitesla tunable energyelectric powered solenoid magnet for bio-stimulation of cell growththereon.

FIG. 22 is a side, exterior view of a bioreactor system according to anembodiment of the present invention, configured as an array.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the bioreactor system array of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a project flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 24A is a flow diagram providing detail on reference letter “A” inFIG. 24.

FIG. 24B is a flow diagram providing detail on reference letter “B” inFIG. 24.

FIG. 24C is a flow diagram providing detail on reference letter “C” inFIG. 24.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of theinvention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the inventionin this specification includes all possible combinations of suchparticular features. For example, where a particular feature isdisclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of theinvention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, incombination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects andembodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the indefinite articles “a”, “an” and “the” should beunderstood to include plural reference unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein, should be understood to mean“either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that areconjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in othercases.

As used herein, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as“and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating a listing ofitems, “and/or” or “or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e.,the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of anumber of items, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only termsclearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly oneof,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to theinclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. Ingeneral, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted asindicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but notboth”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “oneof,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

The term “comprises” is used herein to mean that other elements, steps,etc. are optionally present. When reference is made herein to a methodcomprising two or more defined steps, the steps can be carried out inany order, or simultaneously (except where the context excludes thatpossibility), and the method can include one or more steps which arecarried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the definedsteps, or after all of the defined steps (except where the contextexcludes that possibility).

As used herein, the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”,“with”, or variants thereof, are intended to be inclusive similar to theterm “comprising.”

In this section, the present invention will be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey thescope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present invention isdirected to a bioreactor system and related methods. Such bioreactorsystems may be utilized for growth of biomass, such as algal growth,and/or utilized in renewable energy and valuable chemical productionprocesses.

Referring initially to FIG. 1A, the bioreactor system 1000 comprises acore bioreactor 1 including a containment vessel 2 having a base 3 andfirst 4 and second 4′ stacked tank sections. The tank sections aregenerally connected via a flange or lip 5 with a gasket or other form ofsealant to form a structure with lower 6 and upper 6′ ends with a medialsection 7 therebetween. The core bioreactor containment vessel 2 isgenerally shaped in a cylindrical form with an inner diameter; however,the medial section 7 may have a larger diameter than the upper 6′ andlower 6 ends to promote turbulence in the flow of fluids along its innerwall during operation.

The first 4 and second 4′ tank sections forming the core bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 may be formed of a variety of durable materials,such as but not limited to, fiberglass, acrylic, stainless steel,plastics, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1B, the first 4 and second 4′tank sections may alternatively engage an acrylic structure 7′, or otherclear material, forming the medial section 7 therebetween to provide foradditional light penetration into the containment vessel 2. Furthermore,foam may be embedded between multiple layers of material forming thecontainment vessel 2 to provide insulating properties. For example, alayer of polystyrene foam may be imbedded between an inner and outerskin forming the tank sections 4, 4′. The first 4 and second 4′ tanksections may contain honeycomb tubular heating and cooling radiatorswithin the layers of polystyrene foam insulation to circulate heated orcooled liquid to maintain a desired bioreactor and biomass fluidtemperature in order to maintain a proper organism cultivationtemperature.

The upper end 6′ of the containment vessel 2 forms an opening which isenclosed via a top portion 8 which defines a headspace at the top of thecontainment vessel 2. The top portion 8 may be transparent to light soas to allow natural solar light transmission into the top of thecontainment vessel 2 and/or for observation. The top portion 8 mayalternatively be non-transparent if the biomass to be cultured or growndoes not require additional solar energy. In some embodiments, the topportion 8 is shaped as a dome to provide for space for attachment ofadditional components, such as growth bio-stimulation devices (e.g.,millimeter wave devices), for stimulating the biomass as it flowsunderneath.

Continuing with FIG. 1A and further referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C,the side walls 9, 9′ forming the first 4 and second 4′ tank sections,respectively, may optionally have formed therethrough openings 10, 10′(in FIG. 1A under the covers 18 shown) for the placement of clear oropaque material, such as acrylic. The clear or opaque material may beshaped into a dome 11 structure projecting into the core bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 in a concave disposition. The openings 10, 10′ andclear/opaque material may be structured to house an artificial lightsource attached to the inside wall 16, 16′ of the tank sections, such aslight bulbs or LED lights, or let natural solar transmissiontherethrough.

For artificial light, an array of LED lights 14, designed to emitfocused, high intensity artificial grow-light energy 15 forphotosynthesis into the interior of the core bioreactor containmentvessel 2, may be placed in the concave space formed in the dome so as toutilize the dome 11 as an enclosure 12 for receiving a light source 13.

The light source 13 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C is mountedto a cover 18 which also acts as a heat sink for the heat generated bythe LED lights which is engaged to the outer tank wall 16, 16′ viafasteners or the like to provide access for light maintenance andinspection, while protecting the light source 13 from weather elements.Gaskets or other sealing materials are provided between the dome 11 andtank wall to prevent fluid penetration into the enclosure 12. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, gasket material is used to seal the topand sides of the edges of the light mounting device which engages thetank wall, with the lower non-gasketed portion left open to the outsideof the tank for air circulation.

Observation panels 63, 63′ may be provided on the first 4 and second 4′tank sections forming the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 to allowoperators to view the interior during operation or maintenance, or thelike. Also, the first 4 or second 4′ tank sections has formed therein aman-way entry opening with a fluid tight entrance panel built into theside to permit access to the interior and sized for allowing personnelto enter the unit for maintenance, cleaning, repair, and otherwise asrequired.

The LED light systems utilized may have energy equivalents ofmetal-halide artificial solar lights in the proper wavelengths tostimulate growth of biomass, such as algae. The LED lights may beair-cooled by small electric fans that circulate outside air through anair inlet 19 formed along the bottom edge of the LED light mountingcovers.

Turning to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the flow tube 22 for placement within thecore bioreactor containment vessel 2 (not shown) is illustrated. Theflow tube 22 has a longitudinal passage 37 therethrough, a length 20,and an inner/outer diameter 21′ configured within the containment vessel2. The flow tube 22 may be fabricated of various materials, such as butnot limited to PVC or fiberglass materials, having a flow tube loweropen end 23 and flow tube upper open end 23′, with a medial portion 24therebetween, and passages/apertures 39, 39′ formed laterally throughthe medial portion 24 in spaced fashion about the diameter 21′ of flowtube 22.

The flow tube lower open end 23 may have sidewall 17 lower flow cutouts26, 26′ forming legs to support the flow tube 22 vertically on the base3 of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2, the cut outs 26, 26′ alsoproviding an opening for the flow of fluid from the core bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 into the flow tube lower open end 23 forrecirculation. The vertically situated flow tube 22 may be centeredwithin the interior 41 of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2.

As shown, within the flow tube 22 near the flow tube lower open end 23,but above cutouts 26, 26′, is a coil 43 of perforated air hose forming alower airlift 28, the coil is aligned with and mounted to the innerdiameter 21 of flow tube in loops from a header system fed by an airsupply line for maintaining a continuous, slow movement of the biomassgrowth medium within the maturation chamber of the core bioreactor 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, configured in the base 3 of the core bioreactorcontainment vessel 3 is a growth medium (bloater) return port 54′ (forreturn of material into the core bioreactor 1 aftermonitoring/processing or for selectively draining the system). One ormore air diffusers 30, 30′, 30″, 30′″ may be disposed in the flow tube22 and usually spaced above the lower airlift tube 28 connected to oneanother via a circular hose 44 to form a CO₂ (carbon dioxide), or othergas, infusion array 29, each of the diffusers situated generally equallyspaced from one another to form an upwardly facing ring of diffusers,the outer periphery of which is adjacent to the inner diameter 21 of theflow tube 22. The diffusion of CO₂ or other gases into the base of theflow tube 22 helps control pH, for example; this gas delivery system canalso be used to infuse other forms of gas treatments, such as compressedair and/or nitrogen for nutrients.

Spaced above the CO₂ infusion array 29, in the medial portion 24 of theflow tube 22 is a gate valve 31 (which is preferably a floating gatevalve) comprising a ring body 32 having first 46 and second 46′ endsdefining a length 47, an outer diameter 48 and inner 48′ diameters. Thering body 32 is formed of a cylindrical surface 49, the outer diameter48 of which is slightly less than the inner diameter 21 of the flow tube22 so that the ring body 32 may slidingly engage the inner diameter 21of same.

The ring body 32 is preferably formed of a material which has a positivebuoyancy in water or other fluid in use, and is formed to rest uponlower stops 50 (see FIG. 4) affixed to the inner diameter of the flowtube 22, with stops positioned to support the first, lower end of thering body, when the system is not operational or when liquid in thesystem is about half way up the core bioreactor containment vessel 2.

The cylindrical surface of the ring body 32 has formed therethrough flowapertures 51, 51′ situated to be aligned with medial flow passages 39,39′ formed medially in the flow tube 22 when the ring body 32 is restingon lower stops 50, 50′ to provide medial flow through the flow tube 22,while upper stops 52, 52′ are provided in spaced fashion above the lowerstops 50, 50′ so as to position the ring body 32 to close the flowthrough the medial flow passages 39, 39′ when the ring body 32 is in itsfloating, upper position.

Referring again to FIG. 4, situated within the interior diameter 21′ ofthe flow tube 22, preferably just above the medial portion 24 of thetube, is the upper airlift 40, formed of a ring 43′ or coil ofperforated air hose in general alignment with and adjacent to the innerdiameter of the flow tube 22, and configured to disperse air into theupper inner diameter of the flow tube 22 during operations at full fluidlevel.

Generally, the upper and lower airlifts 40, 28 are similar inconstruction and uniquely spaced apart so that an air blower, or otherdevice, providing the air thereto can overcome the head pressure of theliquid or other fluid within the core bioreactor 1, whether half full(using only the lower airlift 28) or completely full (using one or bothof the airlifts), thus minimizing energy expenditures for operation.

Energy efficiency is an important consideration as to the commercialviability of enclosed bioreactor systems, and the present airlift designgreatly adds to the efficiency of the present system by allowing forcirculation of the biomass without the necessity of utilizing accessorypumps, as well as providing a major operating cost advantage.

In some embodiments, situated proximal to the flow tube upper open end23′ of the flow tube 22 is an electromagnetic coil device, preferably inthe form of a Helmholtz coil, comprising first 53 and second 53′electromagnetic coils spaced 54 or otherwise situated a distance fromone another, to selectively provide an electromagnetic field. The coils53, 53′ form concentric rings on the outside of the flow tube 22.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10, first 53″ and second 53′″electromagnetic coils are spaced, or otherwise situated, a distance fromone another on the inside of the flow tube 22, forming concentric rings.The electromagnetic fields stimulate microbial growth and metabolism ofthe biomass.

In some embodiments, the interior wall of the flow tube 22 forming theinner diameter 21 is of a dark or other light absorbing color to providea dark interior, and/or the outer wall forming the outer diameter 21′ offlow tube has a light reflective coating, such as a mirror or metalliccolor coating, the reflective finish formed to reflect and scatter thenatural and artificial solar energy emitted through the top portion ofthe upper end of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 andtransparent domes 11, 11′, 11″ with optional LED grow light arraysmounted therein (see FIGS. 2B and 2C) within the interior 41 of thecontainment vessel 2 of the bioreactor system. Further, the reflectivefinish can be applied to the inside of the top portion 8 where it isimpractical or undesirable to have natural sunlight pass through the topportion 8. By providing reflective material on the outer wall of theflow tube 22 and the inner wall of the core bioreactor containmentvessel, an enhanced reflective light chamber is formed in the annulararea between the outer walls of the flow tube 22 and the inner walls 16of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2.

To further enhance the reflection of the inner walls of the corebioreactor containment vessel 2 (and the top portion 8 if a reflectivefinish is desired) glass beads may be used to create amulti-directional, highly reflective and saltwater durable coating uponthe underlying reflective finish.

The dual reflectivity of the outer flow tube, on one side, and the innerwalls of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2, on the other,combined with the high intensity LED light arrays projected therein, andthe turbulent flow of an photoautoropic organism therethrough providesan enhanced light exposure chamber which, when utilizing a UV filteredtop portion 8 for natural light exposure coupled with the artificiallight: a) takes advantage of improved sidelighting, b) increases thesurface area illuminated, c) drastically reduces photosyntheticsaturation, d) demonstrates the ability to achieve much highervolumetric carbon fixation rates, e) filters unwanted UV and IRradiation from the bioreactor, f) minimizes heat delivery, and e)increases the overall sunlight utilization efficiency andcost-effectiveness.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3-6, in the first stage of operation ofthe bioreactor system for growing algae or the like, a growth mediumsolution with the algae and added water forming a liquid suspension 57is provided with the start up fluid level 55 filling about one half ofthe core bioreactor containment vessel 2 (the “start up” stage) so thatthe gate valve 31 is not lifted by the liquid (or in the lowerorientation if by separate mechanical means), and remains at its lowerstage resting upon lower stops 50, 50′, the water level being about evenwith the medial flow passages 39, 39′ formed through the sidewalls ofthe flow tube 22.

Filtered air (possibly UV sterilized as well) can be urged from a blowervia a hose to the lower airlift 28 so that air bubbles 56 emanatetherefrom to form in the surrounding liquid suspension 57, urging theliquid suspension within the flow tube 22 to flow 58 upward as the airbubbles rise, with the liquid suspension flowing in 61 through the lowerflow cutouts 26, 26′, when the upward flow 58 reaches the start up waterlevel 55, where the bubbles are released into the air above the waterlevel 55.

The flow at the water level 55 then passes 59 through the gate valveflow apertures 51, 51′ and the aligned flow tube 22 medial flow passages39, 39′, where it flows downward 60, encountering domes 11, 11′, whichcreate turbulence within the system to allow a mixing effect of thealgae in suspension to become exposed to the grow-light energy 57, whilepreventing settling of the algae suspended therein. Microscopicplant-like organisms require only milliseconds of exposure to specificgrow-light wavelengths for cell division to occur which will be providedby the reflective exterior of the flow tube bouncing the high intensityLED light energy back and forth from the reflective finish of theinterior reactor wall thus creating a light chamber to maximizegrow-light exposure to the algae as they circulate through theilluminated chamber.

The flow through the gate valve 31 and medial flow passages 39, 39′through the flow tube 22 is necessary for startup to provide liquidsuspension/bloater circulation over the LED solar grow lights in domes11, 11′ in the lower half of the bioreactor core bioreactor containmentvessel 2, since algae organisms require concentration of cell countduring organism maturation, and prior to dilution into larger growingvolumes.

As a result, typically the entire bioreactor system cannot be fullyloaded with liquid suspension 57 during the initial organism growthstart-up period. Therefore, only the lower half of the bioreactor isused to allow sufficient time to concentrate the algae population beforeadding additional liquid and nutrients to raise the fluid level to thetop of the bioreactor, where either natural solar light and/or otherforms of electromagnetic/magnetic energy for inducing bio-stimulation ofgrowth rate are provided for photosynthesis at the top of the corebioreactor containment vessel 2.

During operation, the liquid suspension 57 can be monitored for algaeconcentration, purity, pH, CO₂ level, oxygen nitrogen and other algaenutrient levels, salinity (where salt water species are cultivated), aswell as other factors. The PH is adjusted via the use of a pHmonitoring/probe and an optional control device that controls anelectric valve that automatically allows the injection of CO₂ gas intothe system by an external air control and filtration system whichsterilizes and mixes ambient air and blows the mixed gasses into thediffusers 30, 30′, 30″, 30″ and/or through the lower 28 and upper 40airlifts. Pure CO2 and other mixed gases may also be controlled andinjected via the micro-diffusion disks located in the bottom of the flowtube. Any of the air/CO₂ delivery systems can add CO₂ to the system for24/7 automatic PH control. PH may also be adjusted via known chemicaladditives. Liquid nitrate and other forms of liquid fertilizer &nutrients may be automatically added if the system is in a algaeproduction mode. A nitrate/nutrient formula for organism growth is addedinto the bioreactor via the use of a nitrate monitoring/sensor probe andcomputer control device that reads the upper and lower ranges ofnitrates in solution within the liquid biomass in the bioreactor andregulates (opens & closes) an electric fluid valve and correspondinglyturns on & off an electric fluid pump that automatically providesorganisms with controlled injections of liquid nitrate fertilizerbalanced with a pre-mixture with other organism growth vitamins andminerals and injected into the bioreactor system from external liquidfertilizer storage tanks via a flow line that feeds into thebottom/center of the main bioreactor where it is mixed into the biomassliquid by the air lift system.

Equipment can be utilized, such as a FlowCam™ Monitoring device, for24/7 detection of the system's positive or negative change in algaebiomass concentration, and a nitrate sensor/controller so the bioreactorsystems can be manually or computer controlled via on-site or remotecontrolled management systems. Once sufficient growth is confirmed, thefluid level with nutrients and other additives may be raised to fullfluid level 64 along with full bioreactor system operating status, asillustrated in FIG. 7.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-7, once the water level rises above the midpoint fluid level 55 denoted in FIG. 6, the ring body 32 forming thegate valve is lifted 65 by its buoyancy in the rising liquid, liftingthe ring body 32 from its resting position on lower stops 50, 50′,floating upwards until the ring body 32 is stopped from further risingvia upper stops 52, 52′. At the upper stops 52, 52′, the ring body 32 ispositioned so that the space 66 in the ring body between the flowapertures 51, 51′ and lower, first end 46 of the ring body blocks themedial flow passages 39, 39′, blocking the flow of fluid/biomasstherethrough, allowing the fluid in the flow tube 22 to flow through 67the ring body 32.

Once the fluid level rises above the upper airlift 40, air flow isinitiated through the ring 43′ or coil of perforated air hose formingsame, replacing the air flow from the lower airlift 28 as earlierdiscussed, the upper airlift 40 airflow further dispersing air bubbles56′ into the upper inner diameter of the flow tube 22 to further enhancethe air lift 68 action and enhance upward fluid circulation within andout of the flow tube upper open end 23′ of the flow tube 22.

After passing through the upper airlift 40, the liquid suspension passesthrough the previously discussed first 53 and second 53′ electromagneticcoils forming the Helmholtz coil (in embodiments of the bioreactorsystem containing the Helmholtz coil).

During growth operations at full tank level (as shown in FIG. 7), theHelmholtz coils are energized to produce a homogeneous magnetic field 69approximately aligned with the central longitudinal axis 70 of thebioreactor system flow tube, and extending outward to at least the innerwalls of the bioreactor core bioreactor containment vessel 2, which mayhave electromagnetic shielding in place to prevent the field fromextending out of the bioreactor system. In alternative embodiments, theHelmholtz coils may be positioned inside of the flow tube 22. Likewise,the coils can be positioned above the airlift hoses located in the upperand lower sections of the flow tube 22. The size of the coil can vary togenerate different magnetic field strengths, dependent on the biomass tobe stimulated.

A uniform, low frequency magnetic field that charges the water moleculeswith energy, which, at low energy levels, transfers into stimulatingcellular growth, may be utilized. Furthermore, higher energy levels maybe utilized when desirable to cause cell lysis (splitting the cell wall)for oil/cellulose separation operations.

For use in improving the cellular growth rate of the biomass, theelectromagnetic field strength generated by the Helmholtz coil device isexpected to operate between 15 and 100 Hz at 2 ut, 4 ut, 6 ut, 8 ut andup to 100 ut.

Once the air lifted biomass has flowed through the Helmholtz coilslocated near the top of the darkened flow tube 22, it may be exposed tonatural sunlight 71 from the transparent top portion 8 of the bioreactorsystem, and/or artificial growing lights. The biomass may also receivemicrowave millimeter wave energy, non-ionizing radiation forbio-stimulation (stimulation of growth rates) when required projectingfrom the top portion 8 into the core bioreactor containment vessel 2.

The biomass then flows over the flow tube upper open end 23′ andencounters downward flow 72 due to siphoning action due to flow 61through the lower flow cutouts 26, 26′ in flow tube 22, caused by thelifting action from the upper 40 air lift within the flow tube 22.

As mentioned above, during this period of flow downward from the flowtube upper open end 23′ to the flow tube lower open end 23, the biomassis exposed to artificial grow light from the LED's situated in the portsalong the length of the bioreactor containment vessel 2, while light isreflected off the outer reflective surface of the flow tube, providingan enhanced grow light chamber with turbulence generated by the uneveninner surface of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 due to themany domes 11 housing the LED sources 13.

In addition, the shape of the bioreactor containment vessel 2, with awider medial section 7 relative to the lower 6 and upper 6′ ends, causesfurther turbulence within the reactor as created by the air-lift systemas it pushes out of the flow tube 22 (either medially or out of the top,depending upon the water level).

The biomass continues to be drawn downward along the interior wall ofthe core bioreactor containment vessel 2 and exterior the flow tube 22as it continues to be exposed to the enhanced grow LED lights, until thesuspension reaches the bottom of the bioreactor containment vessel 2,where it is drawn through 61 the lower flow cutouts 26 of the flow tube22, and into and up the dark interior of the lower flow tube, whereinthe biomass (e.g., algae) “rest” (in the dark) as it travels up thelength of the interior of the flow tube 22, (where it may be againexposed to an EMF field via the Helmholtz coil and/or microwavemillimeter wave energy device (if utilized and desired), ultimatelyflowing out of the top of the flow tube 22, from dark to light, wherethe biomass is again drawn down the exterior of the tube and exposed tothe artificial and/or natural sunlight, as the cycle repeats.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in addition to or in place of theHelmholtz coil system previously described herein, embodiments of thepresent invention may include a tunable millimeter wave generator 74with a concomitant wave guide transponder/antenna 73 associated with thetop center of the top portion disposed at the upper end of the corebioreactor containment vessel 2, to provide within the bioreactor systema controlled tuneable millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation 75,which is beamed to the fluid surface level 81, where it penetrates thesurface to generate the bio-stimulation of cell division (mitosis) byenhancing the regeneration cycle of the biomass (e.g., algae). Examplesof known millimeter wave emitters which may be suitable for this purposemay include traveling wave tubes including a backward wave tube alsoknown as a backward wave oscillator (BWO) or carcinotron and othermillimeter wave sources including other vacuum tubes. Additionalmillimeter wave sources/emitters would be understood by those skilled inthe art and are contemplated to be utilized in the present invention.

The millimeter wave emitting antenna 73 is positioned in the centervicinity of the top portion (e.g., acrylic dome) of the core bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 and configured to emit a special frequency EMFmillimeter wave (preferably 10 mW/cm² and less) with exposure times thatmay vary from about 20 minutes per day to 24 hours per day, dependentupon the cell-division rate and the type of organism being grown.Generally, low-intensity millimeter waves, generally 10 mW/cm² or less,cause an increase in growth and proliferation of various organisms, asdescribed by Pakhomov et al. in “Current state and implications ofresearch on biological effects of millimeter waves: A review ofliterature,” (found athttp://www.rife.org/otherresearch/millimeterwaves.html) and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

To contain the EMF wave within the bioreactor containment vessel 2, alayer of EMF wave reflection and shielding material 76 may be laminatedto the inside surface of the top portion, as well as an upper portion ofthe upper, second 4′ section forming the core bioreactor containmentvessel 2. Preferably, the EMF shielding and reflection material 76associated with the top portion 8 of the core bioreactor containmentvessel 2 is formed of material that allows the passage of natural orartificial light energy associated with photosynthesis therethrough.

The unique configuration of this embodiment of the bioreactor systemdesign is such that the biomass (e.g., algae) and growth medium exiting79 the second upper open end 23′ of the bioreactor flow tube 22 isbriefly situated at the upper water level 81, and as such is brieflyexposed to the millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation 75.

It is noted that, although FIG. 11 illustrates the operation of aHelmholtz coil electromagnetic field 69 and a millimeter wave field 75,this is not to indicate that both the electromagnetic field 69 and themillimeter wave field 75 are provided simultaneously, and either may beprovided individually without the other operating, as may be desirable.

During operation of the system, the cell division rate may be monitoredvia a cell counting device, such as, for example, the FLOWCAM™ imagingsystem previously discussed herein and/or the Hach nitrate monitor andcontroller, and the data utilized to operate, either manually or viacomputer control, the millimeter wave and/or Helmholtz EMF generator andother electromagnetic biostimulation devices further described hereinlocated in the core bioreactor 1 and/or auxiliary vessel 80 (e.g., flatpanel enclosure) and/or the pH/CO₂ injection and nitrate fertilizationcontroller to optimize cellular development of the cultured organisms.

It is noted that the present bioreactor system may also be used in anon-photobioreactor capacity to provide enhanced growth ofnon-photosynthetic organisms, such as but not limited to yeast cultures,(for food, alcohol and drug production, for example), bacteria cultures,and other microorganisms or the like; and the use of the artificial andsolar lighting capacities my not be required, depending upon themicroorganism being cultured.

In some embodiments, once the cell count is determined to reach theoptimal level for harvesting, the Helmholtz device and/or the millimeterwave device, or an exterior microwave device can be used, to expose thecells (e.g., algae) to an appropriate frequency and dose ofelectromagnetic energy for separation of the biomass into the componentlipids and polysaccharide (cellulose) fractions.

In such an operation where separation into component lipids andpolysaccharides is desirable, an infusion of CO₂ gas is injected intoeither the liquid medium via the CO₂ infusion array (29 in FIG. 4) ormixed with an ambient air generator system to add CO₂ within the flowtube 22 situated in the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 in order toeffect a drop in the pH (acidic condition) in the liquid medium, so asto weaken the algal cell body. A microwave, millimeter wave, and/or EMF(electro-magnetic field) source generator or the Helmholtz coils 53,53′, are tuned to provide a pulsed energy field at a precise frequencyand field strength, as would be understood by those skilled in the art,in order to facilitate the fracturization of the cellular wall, to allowfor the separation of the cellular lipids/oils from the cell detritusremaining after fracturing.

In this case, cell density may be monitored, the appropriate microwaveor other frequency for optimal cell lysis is selected, and the cellcontents (lipids and polysaccharide/protein components) are separated.

This initial separation process may be conducted within the bioreactorsystem or may be completed in a separate electromagnetic device set-upto function in conjunction with an exterior separation and settlingtank. The device is expected to use electromagnetic field strengthgenerated by a separate EMF generator of sufficient frequency and poweroutput to effect the lysis of the cell walls of the algae.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments the corebioreactor may include at least one bio-stimulation conduit 77, 77′ influid communication therewith. The bio-stimulation conduit 77, 77′includes a first conduit portion 77 and a second conduit portion 77′,the first and second conduit portions 77, 77′ in fluid communicationwith the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 to form a closed loop. Thebio-stimulation conduit further includes first and second (or more)magnetic rings 25, 25′ concentrically mounted thereon. The magneticrings are slideably mounted in spaced fashion along a length of thebio-stimulation conduit to selectively provide a tunable magnetic fieldwithin the bio-stimulation conduit for providing magnetic field energyin the 5 to 200 millitesla range to the biomass circulating within thebio-stimulation conduit at various flow rates to magneticallybio-stimulate the growth rate of the micro organisms flowing through theconduit. The magnetic field is selectively tuned by creating rear earthmagnets of various selected magnetic strength and by sliding the firstand second (or more) magnetic rings at varying distances from each otherand/or in “repulsing” or “attracting” orientations. An energy efficiencybenefit of the magnetic rings is that they are made of rare earthmagnets and, therefore, do not require electricity to provide themagnetic field.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bio-stimulationconduit includes a solenoid coil 103 wrapped around one or both of thefirst conduit portion 77 and a second conduit portion 77′ such that, atvarious flow rates, and selected electromagnetic fields of milliteslaenergy may be applied to the organisms flowing through the conduit. Thesolenoid coil 103 provides a magnetic field within the bio-stimulationconduit that is controlled by a tunable direct current (DC) or otherforms of electrical current. As such, the magnetic field is tunable andcan be fine tuned to provide a desirable wavelength for bio-stimulationof cellular growth of the particular organism that is beingcultured/grown in the bioreactor system 1000. Likewise, the solenoidcoil 103 may be utilized for determination of a proper wavelength byadjusting the current over time to determine the ideal wavelength. Oncethe ideal wavelength is determined, the solenoid coil 103 may be kept atsuch a setting, or the solenoid coil is replaced with multiple magneticrings that are tuned to the magnetic wavelength previously determined bythe tuning of the electric solenoid coil.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, 15A,B, and 16-19, to supplement the corebioreactor, at least one auxiliary vessel 80, preferably as a flat panelenclosure, is provided, to provide enhanced natural, as well asartificial, sunlight exposure (for night or as otherwise required) forthe growth of organic biomass. The auxiliary vessel 80 is exterior tothe core bioreactor 1 of the system 1000. The auxiliary vessel 80 isgenerally formed of flat panels; however, such panels could be of acurvilinear form providing curvature to the auxiliary vessel 80.

The auxiliary vessel 80 further accelerates photosynthesis (in systemswhere photosynthesis is required of the biomass being grown) by means ofincreasing the amount of photon exposure to the growth medium by flowingthe fluid biomass through rectilinear enclosures 84, 84′ exposed tonatural and/or artificial sunlight. The auxiliary vessel can also filterunwanted UV and IR radiation from the biomass and minimize heatdelivery. The auxiliary vessel 80 in the form of a flat panel enclosureof the illustrated embodiment is formed of a rectilinear frame 85 havinga medial divider 85′ to form a barrier therebetween, dividing the frameinto first 86 and second 86′ cells, each cell having a length 93, awidth 93′, and a depth 94. The first cell 86 is formed to engage a frontpanel 82 and rear panel 83, while the second cell 86′ engages andsupports a separate front panel 82′ and a rear panel 83′, the front 82,82′ panels being opposed to and equally spaced from the rear 83, 83′panels, respectively on each flat panel enclosure unit. The panels 82,82′, 83, 83′ are preferably formed of material transparent to thewavelengths of light conducive for photosynthesis to the biomass. Thesheets are formed of glass, the front panels 82, 82′ spaced 101 from therear panels 83, 83′ to form first 84 and second 84′ enclosurestherebetween, associated with the first 86 and second 86′ cells,respectively; however, as it would be understood by those skilled in theart, acrylic or other rigid, transparent materials may be utilized inplace of glass.

The front 82, 82′ and rear 83, 83′ panels may have applied thereto alayer of inwardly 92 facing, so called, one-way mirror window film 93,93′ (such as manufactured by 3M of St. Paul, Minn. or the like) so as toallow the passage of light therethrough 95 for photosynthesis into eachrespective enclosure 84, 84′, but reflect 95′ any light seeking to passout of the enclosure, in order to provide an enhanced light chamber forany photosynthetic culture (including algae or the like) situatedtherein or passing therethrough. A film laminate or the like to thepanels may also be used to reduce harmful UV light, while allowing thepassage of optimal wavelengths of light for photosynthesis therethrough.

The rear 83, 83′ panels may have mounted to the frame outside of theenclosures 84, 84′, projecting into said rear 83, 83′ panels with LEDgrow light arrays 116, 116′ and 117, 117′, to provide a source ofartificial grow light from the rear of the bioreactor into theenclosures where the biomass flows, providing enhanced grow lightcapabilities even at night, indoors, or on cloudy days. The control ofthe artificial grow light system is either manually or automaticallycontrolled via a light sensing device that regulates the length of eachgrow light period.

Also mounted exterior the rear 83, 83′ panels of the first 86 and second86 cells are optional fluorescent tube grow lights 123, 123′, 123″ and124, 124′, 124″, respectively, to provide further artificialphotosynthesis lighting through the rear 83, 83′ panels and into theirrespective enclosures. The metal enclosure surface area located behindthe florescent and LED grow lights is mirror finished to reflect thenatural and artificial grow light energy being radiated either fromnatural sunlight from outside of the flat panel enclosure or from theartificial grow-lights from behind the rear glass of the flat panelenclosure.

In some embodiments, various sizes of bio balls are utilized inside ofthe auxiliary vessel 80 and core bioreactor that are neutrally buoyantand circulate within the inside of the vessels with the water/biomass.The spiny bio balls rub against the inside of the vessels' walls andhelp to keep the surface areas from accumulation of algae orbio-organism film on the inside surfaces. This “filming” that occurswith algae and other organisms will retard or cloud out the amount ofnatural and artificial sunlight entering the vessels.

The auxiliary vessel 80 is generally situated on a support frame 87having a base 89 with first 90 and second 90′ ends. The first 90 end isformed to receive and support 91 the first end 88 of the auxiliaryvessel 80. The base 89 may have emanating therefrom a vertical support96, which can be used to support (via chains, for example) the auxiliaryvessel 80 such that the front panels 82, 82′ face the sun. A hingedsupport beam 91 having first 97 and second 97′ ends is also provided.The first end 97 pivotally engages 98 the base 89, and the second end 97engages the panel frame 87 to support the auxiliary vessel 80 in theproper angle 99 to receive maximum sun exposure 100 depending upon thelatitude and the time of year.

In operation, the fluid or growth medium borne biomass will gravity flow(enhanced via hydrostatic head pressure in the bioreactor containmentvessel 2 and/or assisted with an air lift pump or electric powered fluidpump) from the bottom to split 103 via at least one linkage tube 106 orthe like to flow to the bottom or first end 102, 102′ of the first 84and second 84′ enclosures forming the auxiliary vessel 80 where thefluid borne biomass flows out 110 (or is pumped) of a perforated line109, 109′, so that the water borne biomass flows along the width of eachof the first 84 and second 84′ enclosures. As would be understood bythose skilled in the art, the linkage tube 106 would not necessarilyrequire a split 103 if the auxiliary vessel 80 consists of a singleenclosure; likewise, the linkage tube 106 could split multiple timeswhen a plurality of enclosures form the auxiliary vessel 80.

Referring to FIG. 20, the at least one linkage tube 106 may furtherinclude multiple magnetic rings 25″, 25′″ concentrically mountedthereon, to form a tunable energy rare earth magnet structure, themagnetic rings mounted in spaced fashion along a length of the linkagetube to selectively provide a tunable magnetic field for bio-stimulationgrowth enhancement within the linkage tube (as previously describedherein). The tunable energy rare earth magnet structure is shown in moredetail in FIG. 20A. The magnet structure could be utilized in variousconfigurations in concert with the core bioreactor 1 and/or auxiliaryvessel 80 where a conduit or linkage tube is structured to provide flowof the biomass. Furthermore, the magnet structure illustrated in FIG.20A could also be used in any system where biostimulation of a biomassis desirable.

As shown in FIG. 21, the at least one linkage tube 106 can also (oralternatively) include a solenoid coil concentrically mounted(positioned) thereon to selectively provide a tunable magnetic field forbio-stimulation growth enhancement within the linkage tube (aspreviously described herein).

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is noted thatthe hydrostatic head pressure of the fluid within the core reactor(bioreactor containment vessel 2) will fill the auxiliary vessel 80without a pump, when the bottom level 120 of the auxiliary vessel 80 islower than the higher fluid level 122 within the containment vessel 2 ofthe core reactor.

The perforated line 109, 109′ in the exemplary embodiment comprises apipe with holes on top and both sides spaced apart along a length of thepipe. In addition, a diffuser hose 114 is aligned with and situatedadjacent to the perforated line 109 and provides sterilized/filtered air(same source of air as used in air lifts 28, 40, that is, an externallylocated, energy efficient regenerative air blower to provide filtered,UV sterilized air) to provide bubbles 115 for lift as well as foradjusting pH and selectively providing CO₂ for the algae or otherbiomass flowing through the auxiliary vessel 80. The pressurized airbubbles provide a positive pressure within the auxiliary flat panelvessel 80, which creates pressure within the enclosures to lift thewater and return the oxygen/CO₂ enriched fluid biomass back to the topof the core bioreactor containment vessel. The exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention utilizes a diffuser hose 114 (for example, aSIEMENS brand FLEXLINE™ fine bubble diffuser hose), providing airbubbles as well as CO₂ to the system when required, while enhancingflow/lift in the auxiliary vessel 80 enclosures, as well as circulatethe biomass between the core reactor (containment vessel 2) and theauxiliary vessel without necessarily the need for an electrical pump.

A bellows or diaphragm pump 119, may also be used to supplement orreplace the air/CO₂ injection system within the panel enclosure to movethe biomass through the perforated line 109 into the flat panelenclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiment from the core reactor(containment vessel 2) and assist the return of the biomass liquids backto the top of the core reactor thus creating a continual circulation offluid biomass.

The fluid borne biomass, upon being ejected through the perforated line109, commingles with bubbles 115, then flows upward to the second, upperends 104, 104′ of each of the enclosures 84, 84′ respectively, where thefluid borne biomass and bubbles 115 flow out 105 of each of the first 84and second 84′ enclosures via pipes 116, 116′ where each of the flowsare joined 107 to return to the upper portion 108 of the core reactor,where the fluid borne biomass and bubbles are returned into the annulusbetween the inside wall of the containment vessel 2 and flow tube 22,for reincorporation into the core bioreactor flow and further EMFbio-stimulation and organism growth control is maintained as previouslydiscussed.

The fluid borne biomass, when pumped (or circulated via hydrostaticpressure) into the flat panel enclosure 80, for example, may pulse bydiaphragm pump pressure into the enclosure via the perforated line 109,109′, which, with the air/CO₂ bubbles 115, creates turbulence 125 insideof the enclosures 84, 84′ to enhance photon contact from natural orartificial light energy beamed into the enclosures. The flow in theenclosures may also be pressurized with the air/fluid borne biomass,which forces the biomass to flow back to the core reactor via a returnpipe as previously discussed. An over-pressure relief system is utilizedto keep the hydrodynamic water pressure from building and blowing outthe glass panels, seals, etc., in the auxiliary vessel 80, and whenactivated, circulates the fluid back to the core bioreactor containmentvessel, until resuming normal operational pressure. Automated systemover pressure alarms also send warning messages via telephone and/oremail.

In the auxiliary vessel 80, the injection via diffuser hose 114 of apurified air/CO₂ mixture, with the diaphragm pump, provides turbulenceto keep the surface clean and keep the debris in suspension;furthermore, rotation in the cell air bubbles keeps the backside of thescreen clear. The bubbles provide an airlift action to the biomass fromthe core reactor, fill up the panel full of water, and pump the fluidborne biomass with bubbles to the top and out of the auxiliary vessel80, so the diffuser air in effect can “pump” the biomass laden fluidwithout the need for a diaphragm, bellows or other pump. As indicated,because the auxiliary vessel 80 is a sealed unit, it becomes pressurizedand creates enough pressure to lift the water through both panels andinto the top of the core bioreactor 1. At an exemplary 65 gallon perminute flow rate, the auxiliary vessel 80 can circulate the entirebiomass of the main reactor (containment vessel 2) every hour or two.Maximum energy efficiency and balance is achieved using the hydrostatichead pressure from the core bioreactor 1 to fill the auxiliary vessel 80in combination with the air pressure created via the diffuser hose 114inside of the auxiliary vessel 80 to generate pressure to lift thebiomass back to the core bioreactor 1, creating a continuous flow ofbiomass between the units. Such a configuration allows for propercirculation of the system without the need for additional energyexpenditure required of circulation pumps.

As shown, the auxiliary vessel 80 is positioned so that the plates facethe arc of the sun as it tracks across the sky. Such an arrangementwould, naturally, be positioned so that it is directly exposed to thesun and ideally maintained via a motorized sun tracking device. It isestimated that approximately 100 of the bioreactors described in thepresent invention, arranged and operating in serial production mode,have the potential to produce some 100 or more barrels per day of algaebio-crude, in addition to 10 metric tons of a concentrated algaebiomass, useful for environmental waste filtering, pharmaceutical, andhuman or animal nutrition applications.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, for example, a large number of 4000 orlarger gallon bioreactor containment vessels U can be placed within abuilding B with a corresponding number of the flat panel enclosures F(i.e., auxiliary vessels) on the roof R for concentrating solar energycirculated below into the algae biomass bioreactor system inside of atemperature controlled building, with the top portion (domes) D of thebioreactor containment vessel U penetrating the roof R to capture thenatural sunlight. Many other applications and locations are suitable inboth cold and warm weather climates.

In the bioreactor system of the present invention, a recirculating aircollection system in the form of a collection conduit in the upperportion of the bioreactor 1 can be used to collect air contained in theairspace (including oxygen (O₂ which may be generated by algae or otherplant organisms) above the water level and in the top portion. The airmay be passed through a membrane CO₂/O₂ separator or the like, where theCO₂ and O₂ may be separated and O₂ stored, utilized, or vented, whilethe CO₂ may be stored and selectively re-circulated into the bioreactorvia the CO₂ infusion array 29 (FIG. 4).

Furthermore, the bioreactor system may also be adapted for collectingCO₂ and/or other pollutants to prevent emissions into theenvironment/atmosphere. For instance, an array of bioreactor systems maybe configured and arranged at a factory location, such as a cement orpower plant, that typically produces CO₂ and other pollutants as a wasteproduct. The bioreactor system(s) can be adapted for collecting suchwaste products to feed the biomass, as well as acting as a biomassprocessor, resulting in oxygen production and/or biomass to be collectedand utilized for various purposes as described herein.

Exterior systems to support the core bioreactor of the present systeminclude a control system for the lower and upper airlifts which providesforced air thereto on demand via an air-supply line for a regenerativeblower system. The system preferably includes as a feature, airpurification (via air filtration—four air filters in the exemplaryembodiment and UV sterilization) associated with the regenerative airblower.

Also provided exterior the bioreactor system 1000 are CO₂/pH monitors tomonitor the CO₂ and pH levels in the system and control output of CO₂via the CO₂ infuser within the flow tube (or via CO₂ added to the airupper or lower airlifts, depending upon the application), an automaticwater heater/cooler systems for maintaining optimal temperature of thegrowth medium/fluid in the system 1000, regenerative blowers, andelectrical supply and switching devices. If the pH goes over 8.5 in thesystem 1000 when cultivating species of algae, for example, the systemcan be set to adjust the pH downward to 8.4 or 8.2 pH by injecting CO₂.

A liquid carbon dioxide storage container or other CO₂ source forregulated dispersing of CO₂ into the bioreactor system 1000 via the CO₂infuser in the flow tube 22, with a control module receiving CO₂ and pHinformation from sensors at the bioreactor system 1000, automaticallycontrols pH levels in the growth medium during cell growth via the CO₂infusion system, referenced above.

As the present system utilizes a controlled, sterile atmosphereincluding forced air (via the airlifts 28, 40) for circulation, it isimportant to maintain a positive pressure within the bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 to prevent contamination from outside theatmosphere.

As the system is pressurized (for example, at up to about 10 PSI), it isimportant to incorporate a pressure relief mechanism into the system toavoid over pressurization. Accordingly, two (2) pressure-relief systemsin the present exemplary embodiment run from line vents in the topportion 8 (dome area) of the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 anddown the side (east side in the exemplary embodiment) of the unit asprimary and secondary vessel pressure controls, respectively. Also, apressure-lock valve may be provided to open and close the vent forventing and pressurization, respectively.

It is important to note that the airlift system discussed above is notonly desirable, but provides a unique, non-destructive system tocirculate the fluid/algae suspension within the bioreactor system andbetween the auxiliary vessel, as algae and many other micro-organismswhich can be propagated within this system may stop reproducing or diewhen subjected to the high-stress velocities created in centrifugal typepumps.

For this reason, any pumping into or out of the system 1000 preferablydoes not use centrifugal or impeller-type pumps, instead utilizing amore gentle diaphragm or bellows-type water pumps.

Also not shown is a separate, exterior fiberglass growth mediumpreparation and holding tank which may be used to prepare the growthmedium and other preparation and treatment steps involving the transferof sterilized freshwater or seawater prior to incorporation into thegrowth medium.

In order to monitor the bioreactor contents during production, high-sideand low side specimen monitoring and sampling unit ports are providedexterior the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 of the exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Also, a valve controlled passagemay be provided through the core bioreactor containment vessel 2 for afluid injection (for injecting fluid into the system 1000) or drainagesystem (to drain from the system 1000), which can be selectivelycontrolled via valves and tees.

In addition, an algal-filtration system return line 62 (FIG. 1) andvalve is provided for returning growth medium back into the bioreactorcontainment vessel 2 after organism filtration.

Referring to FIG. 8, heat exchangers 78, 78′, or the like, can beprovided to form a longitudinally-situated central passage through thebioreactor containment vessel 2, for adjusting the temperature of thefluid therein while forming the central column for circulation withinthe bioreactor containment vessel 2.

As discussed, the cell division rate in the present embodiment can bemonitored by a continuous digital cell-counting device, referenced inthe exemplary embodiment as the FLOWCAM™ imaging system, which utilizesflow cytometry and microscopy and automatically counts, images, andanalyzes the cells in a discrete sample or a continuous flow, providingdata instantly to allow monitoring of cellular health and growth ratesup to 500 million cells per milliliter of fluid.

A growth medium supply line, or other line from the containment vessel2, can thus be used to provide samples for electronic laser particlecounting, to automatically determine the cell size, as well as count thenumber of cells per milliliter of water, providing valuable informationfor monitoring and cultivating the species within the bioreactor systemwith maximum efficiency.

For processing algae or other appropriate matter which has beenharvested by the present system, the CATLIQ™ brand or other biomassconversion systems may be used to convert the wet algae biomass intobio-crude oil for further refinement into green fuels, nutrients andvaluable chemicals.

Other exemplary embodiments and uses of the present invention aredescribed below. The system may further include a power-washing systembuilt into the upper and lower sections of the core bioreactor 1 andauxiliary vessel 80 inner body for the purpose of cleaning and forchemical sterilization of each of the component bioreactors within thesystem, in which numerous high-pressure spray nozzles are provided andstrategically located in each half of the bioreactor. The power-washingsystem may be powered by, for example, a high (for example, 5,000-PSI)pressure washer.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizes multiplefiberglass storage tanks for sterilizing sea water, mixing nutrients andchemicals prior to and during the initial or final biomass growingprocess, as well as for temporary holding of the biomass that suppliesthe core or auxiliary vessels, or while servicing the bioreactorsystems. The same regenerative blower which supplies the airlifts in thecore bioreactor as well as the auxiliary vessel is also used to providein the present system air and CO₂ injection and turbulence in thereferenced fiberglass storage tanks; thus, only a single regenerativeblower is required to support the entire referenced system of thisexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As discussed previously, a transparent dome of acrylic or the like maybe provided for allowing natural solar light transmission into the topof the tank forming the bioreaction chamber. In addition, a transparentdome may also be provided at the distal, lower end of the tank alsoformed to enhance natural light exposure within the bioreactorcontainment vessel. In an alternative to the LED encased domes disclosedabove, light ports may be formed in nontransparent components formingthe bioreactor vessel, and/or artificial lights (such as the LED capableof producing the desired wavelength to provide photons of the properfrequency for facilitating photosynthesis and proper intensities) may beprovided for providing a photon source to the system on a continuousbasis. Furthermore, a clear acrylic cylinder may be placed between theupper and lower body sections to add additional 360 degree natural solarenergy penetration through the center of the bioreactor, while filteringunwanted UV and IR radiation from the bioreactor and minimizing heatdelivery.

A nitrite-sensor probe and automated liquid nitrite pump system may beprovided to monitor and control the amount of nutrient feed that isautomatically pumped (via nitrogen or other sources) into the system tooptimize the feeding of the organisms as required during various stagesof cellular growth. A separate supply tank to feed the core bioreactorwith liquid fertilizer from the nitrate sensor triggers the supply pumpthat administers liquid fertilizer and then shuts down the fertilizerpump. The nitrogen feeder line would go into the core reactor via a lineinserted into the discharge side of the pump just upstream of the pHprobe. The nitrogen probe arrangement is similar to the arrangement ofthe pH monitoring probe and CO₂ control/injection system.

A CATLIQ™ biomass conversion system, or the like, would be acceptable tomake the wet algae biomass into bio-crude oil for further refinementinto green fuels, nutrients and chemicals.

Exemplary Specification:

Organism: Nannochloropsis oculata

Photon exposure: 52 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹

Temperature: 21° C.

pH: 8.4 (can vary slightly)

Aeration: 14.7 VVH

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 24A-24C, a flow diagram is shown for anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, having electrical data asfollows:

Item A1 (3 Tanks) 1 Each 40 Watt 120 Volt

Four foot Fluorescent Fixture @UV Rated Fluorescent Grow Light, 100 WattEach, controlled by timer or photocell, 3000 watts 120 Volts, 2.5 Amps;

Item A2 Bio Plate Filter, 2 Each, 5 Lamp, 40 Watt. Eight footfluorescent fixture 200 Watts each 1.7 amps,

2 GA: Ft Strip Fixture, Fitted Two 90 Watt LED Grow Light Module 180Watts, 1.5 amp.

Total Item A2 Load 3.2 Amps (may be controlled by Timer or Photo Cell);

Item A3 Bio Reactor, 18 Each 90 Watt LED Grow Light Controlled by PhotoCell or Timer, 1620 Watts 120 Volt, 13.5 Amps;

Item A4 Sand Filter, 2 Each Fractional HP Pump 9.9 Amp

Ratio@4.5 Amps 120 v each;

Item A5 Diaphragm Pump 1HP@120 Volts, 16.0 Amp;

Item A6 Blower Motor 4 Vz HP@240 Volts, 19.6 Amps

One each array UV Sterilizing Lamp 120 volt 0.83 Amps

Total 20.4 Amps.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that allmatters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bioreactor system, comprising: a containmentvessel having a wall having inner and outer sides forming an interiorhaving an inner diameter, lower and upper ends, and a medial areatherebetween; and a generally vertically oriented flow tube positionedin said interior of said containment vessel, said flow tube forming alongitudinal passage having a bottom, a top, and a medial areatherebetween; wherein said containment vessel and said flow tube arecollectively structured to facilitate the circulation of fluid biomassbetween said interior of said containment vessel and said longitudinalpassage of said flow tube.
 2. The bioreactor system of claim 1, whereinsaid flow tube has laterally formed therethrough, in the vicinity ofsaid medial area of said longitudinal passage, a medial flow passage;and a gate valve configured to slidably engage said wall of said flowtube so as to selectively block flow through said medial flow passageupon said interior of said containment vessel being filled to apredetermined fluid level.
 3. The bioreactor system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one auxiliary vessel in fluid communication withsaid containment vessel, said auxiliary vessel having first and secondpanels mounted in a spaced fashion to define an enclosure therebetween,at least said first panel formed of light permeable material; whereinsaid enclosure is configured to receive a flow of fluid biomass fromsaid containment vessel, and said auxiliary vessel is configured tofacilitate the passage of the flow of fluid biomass through saidenclosure so as to receive light energy radiating therein.
 4. Thebioreactor system of claim 3, wherein said auxiliary vessel furthercomprises a diffuser in communication therewith for facilitating theflow of the fluid biomass from said enclosure to said containmentvessel.
 5. The bioreactor system of claim 3, further comprising anartificial light source disposed to project light through at least oneof said first and second panels into said enclosure, so as to radiatelight energy into said enclosure.
 6. The bioreactor system of claim 3,further comprising a pump configured to facilitate flow of fluid biomassbetween said containment vessel and said auxiliary vessel.
 7. Thebioreactor system of claim 3, further comprising at least one linkagetube in fluid communication with said containment vessel and said flatpanel enclosure.
 8. The bioreactor system of claim 7, wherein said atleast one linkage tube further comprises a plurality of magnetic ringsconcentrically mounted thereon, said magnetic rings mounted in spacedfashion along a length of said linkage tube to selectively provide atunable magnetic field within said linkage tube.
 9. The bioreactorsystem of claim 7, wherein said at least one linkage tube furthercomprises a solenoid coil concentrically mounted thereon to selectivelyprovide a tunable magnetic field within said linkage tube.
 10. Thebioreactor system of claim 1, further comprising at least onebio-stimulation conduit containing a first conduit portion and a secondconduit portion, said first and second conduit portions in fluidcommunication with said containment vessel to form a closed loop, saidbio-stimulation conduit further including a plurality of magnetic ringsconcentrically mounted thereon, said plurality of magnetic rings mountedin spaced fashion along a length of said bio-stimulation conduit toselectively provide a tunable magnetic field within said bio-stimulationconduit.
 11. The bioreactor system of claim 1, wherein said flow tubehas attached thereto a lower stop positioned below said medial flowpassage to support said sliding gate valve in a position such that fluidpasses through said medial flow passage of said flow tube.
 12. Thebioreactor system of claim 1, wherein said flow tube has attachedthereto an upper stop positioned above said medial flow passage to stopupward migration of said sliding gate valve and position said slidinggate valve to block said medial flow passage formed in said flow tube,so as to substantially prevent the passage of fluid therethrough. 13.The bioreactor system of claim 1, further comprising a lower airlift insaid flow tube positioned below said medial area of said flow tube, saidlower airlift formed to provide a pressure gradient to provide fluidlift in said flow tube.
 14. The bioreactor system of claim 1, furthercomprising an upper airlift in said flow tube above said medial area ofsaid flow tube, said upper airlift formed to provide a pressure gradientso as to provide fluid lift in said flow tube.
 15. The bioreactor systemof claim 1, further comprising first and second coils concentricallymounted to said flow tube, said first and second coils mounted in spacedfashion along a length of said flow tube to selectively provide atunable electromagnetic field within and about said flow tube.
 16. Thebioreactor system of claim 15, wherein said first and second coilscomprise a Helmholtz coil.
 17. The bioreactor system of claim 1, furthercomprising a top portion disposed at said upper end of said containmentvessel, said top portion being transparent to light and defining aheadspace above said top of said flow tube whereby fluid biomass flowingfrom said top of said flow tube is exposed to light.
 18. The bioreactorsystem of claim 1, further comprising a millimeter wave emitter disposedat the upper end of the containment vessel and configured to projectmillimeter waves into said containment vessel such that flow from saidtop of said flow tube is exposed to the millimeter waves.
 19. Thebioreactor system of claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxideinfusion array in communication with said flow tube for infusing carbondioxide into said flow tube.
 20. The bioreactor system of claim 1,wherein said wall of said containment vessel has ports formedtherethrough, each of said ports covered via a port cover formed offluid impermeable, light transmissive material.
 21. The bioreactorsystem of claim 20, wherein at least one of said ports further comprisesan artificial light source mounted so as to project light into saidinterior of said containment vessel.
 22. The bioreactor system of claim1, wherein the inner diameter of said interior of said containmentvessel at said lower and upper ends is less than the inner diameter ofsaid containment vessel at said medial area, such that longitudinal flowof matter between said inner walls of said containment vessel and saidflow tube encounter an increase in turbulence.
 23. A bioreactor systemhaving a top side and underside, comprising: first and second panelsconfigured in a spaced fashion onto a frame so as to define an enclosuretherein, said enclosure having first and second ends, said first paneldefining the top side, said second panel defining the underside; a firsttube configured with apertures along its length to disperse fluidbiomass into said enclosure, said first tube disposed along said firstend of said enclosure; a second tube configured with apertures along itslength to disperse gas into said enclosure, said second tube disposedproximal to said first tube; wherein said enclosure is configured tofacilitate the flow of fluid biomass within said enclosure so as toreceive light energy radiating therein.
 24. A method of cultivating oneor more organism in a biomass, comprising the steps of: filling abioreactor with a starter culture of a biomass suspended in a fluid; thebioreactor comprising: a containment vessel having a wall having innerand outer sides forming an interior having an inner diameter, lower andupper ends, and a medial area therebetween; a generally verticallyoriented flow tube positioned in said interior of said containmentvessel, said flow tube forming a longitudinal passage having a bottom, atop, and a medial area therebetween; said flow tube having laterallyformed therethrough, in the vicinity of said medial area of saidlongitudinal passage, a medial flow passage; a gate valve configured toslidably engage said wall of said flow tube so as to selectively blockflow through said medial flow passage upon said interior of saidcontainment vessel being filled to a predetermined fluid level; whereinthe starter culture is filled to about the medial flow passage;effectuating flow of gas in the flow tube at least below the medial flowpassage, so as to provide an upward flow such that the upward flowfacilitates the flow of fluid through the medial flow passage, out ofthe flow tube, down the exterior of the flow tube, and back into thebottom of the flow tube in a looped fashion; monitoring the biomass forgrowth; filling the bioreactor to about the top of the flow tube,causing movement of the gate valve into a position so as to block themedial flow passage and urge the flow through the top of the flow tube,down the exterior of the flow tube, and back in through the bottom ofthe flow tube in a looped fashion.
 25. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising effectuating a flow of gas in the flow tube above the medialflow passage, so as to provide upward flow.
 26. The method of claim 24,further comprising exposing the interior of the containment vessel toone or more magnetic field, so as to stimulate cellular mitosis in thebiomass flowing therethrough.
 27. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising exposing the interior of the containment vessel to millimeterwaves to stimulate cellular mitosis in the biomass flowing therethrough.28. The method of claim 24, further comprising creating an acidiccondition in the containment vessel so as to weaken the cellular body ofthe biomass.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising exposing theinterior of the containment vessel to one or more pulsed magnetic field,so as to break the cellular wall of the biomass to separate lipid oilcontent therein from the cellular body of the biomass.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising exposing the biomass to millimeter wavestuned so as to provide a pulsed field at a frequency and field strengthto break the cellular wall of the biomass to separate lipid oil contenttherein from the cellular body of the biomass.